Two new bills introduced in the Illinois General Assembly aim to address the use of cellular devices in schools, potentially changing how students interact with their phones during the school day.

HB2975: Strict Prohibition

Representative Curtis J. Tarver II introduced House Bill 2975 on February 6, 2025, which calls for a near-total ban on cell phone use in schools. The bill would:

• Prohibit students from using cell phones in school or on school property while attending class
• Allow exceptions during lunch, recess, passing periods, and emergency situations
• Repeal existing provisions that give school boards discretion in establishing cell phone policies

HB2964: Mandated Restrictions with Flexibility

In contrast, Representative Tracy Katz Muhl introduced House Bill 2964 on the same day, proposing a more nuanced approach. This bill would:

• Mandatory cell phone restrictions: The bill requires school boards to establish rules that restrict the use of cellular devices during instructional time.
• Focus on instructional time: The restrictions specifically target cell phone use during periods when students are receiving instruction, aiming to minimize distractions in the classroom.
• Exceptions allowed: The bill provides for exceptions to the cell phone restrictions in certain circumstances:
  • Emergency situations
  • Special education accommodations
  • Teacher discretion

The primary objective of the bill is to create a safer and more focused learning environment for students.

Educational Impacts

1. Improved focus in classrooms: By restricting cell phone use during instructional time, students may experience fewer distractions, potentially leading to better academic performance.
2. Reduced cyberbullying: Limiting access to phones during school hours could decrease opportunities for cyberbullying, which has been expanding at alarming rates.
3. Changes in teaching methods: Educators may need to adapt their teaching strategies to accommodate the new restrictions and potential exceptions for educational use.

Social and Behavioral Impacts

1. Mental health benefits: Reduced social media use during school hours could positively impact students’ mental health, as research shows excessive use can lead to depression and anxiety.
2. Shift in student interactions: With less access to phones, students may engage in more face-to-face interactions during school hours.
3. Emergency communication challenges: Parents and students may need to adjust to new protocols for emergency communications during school hours.

Governor JB Pritzker has voiced his support for these measures. 

“Improving the classroom environment and limiting distractions is vital to student achievement, and in conversations with educators and parents around this state, there is one thing they commonly cite as an impediment to learning in the classroom: cell phones,” Pritzker said during his annual State of the State and budget address. “Furthermore, cyberbullying has expanded at alarming rates, and it’s time for Illinois to take measures to protect our kids.”

“More focus on learning will bring even greater success for kids across the state,” Pritzker said.

According to the Pew Research Center, 70% of U.S. high school teachers view cellphone distractions as a significant classroom issue.